Dunn indicted in abduction of six-year-old

By Frank Lewis

September 26, 2013

Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Jackson County Prosecutor Justin Lovett announced Thursday that a nine-count indictment has been filed in connection with the July kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl.

A Jackson County grand jury indicted Zachary Dunn, 30, on three counts of kidnapping; two counts of abduction; rape; two counts of gross sexual imposition and felonious assault.

Authorities said Macey Stewart disappeared from her home early in the morning morning hours of Friday, July 26 and according to the Jackson Police Department, several agencies joined in a search for the child. Later it was announced that she had been released from Adena Hospital in Chillicothe on Saturday, July 27. Dunn was arrested several days later.

The kidnapping charges include specifications that Dunn is a sexually violent predator and that he committed the kidnapping offenses with a sexual motivation.

“This defendant grabbed the young victim from her home and terrorized her until she managed to get away,” DeWine said. “The victim is a brave little girl, and we plan to do all we can to get justice.”

Lovett said the indictments were a collective effort.

“Today’s indictment comes as the result of the extraordinary efforts of local and state law enforcement to bring this child home,” Lovett said. “We are grateful to all of the first responders who helped put this suspect in custody.”

Members of DeWine’s Crimes Against Children Critical Response Team assisted the Jackson Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple other law enforcement and public safety agencies in locating the child and suspect.

Prosecutors with Attorney General DeWine’s Special Prosecutions Section are assisting the Jackson County Prosecutor with the case. If convicted on all of the offenses, Dunn could face a maximum of life in prison without parole.

The suspect will be arraigned on the charges this (Friday) morning at the Jackson County Courthouse.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.